Chet Edwards Town Hall & More

Saturday morning I was not too excited about attending Congressman Chet Edwards Health Care town hall. I'm much like most Americans, I would like to just ignore politics and live my life. However, we all know that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. So, I dragged myself out of bed, got dressed and went down to the Waco Convention Center anyway... and boy I'm glad I did!

Over a thousand people attended, and while it was spirited and sometimes loud, I think the town hall gave people an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions about HR 3200. While some people would like for everyone to sit down, not clap, speak up, or cheer or boo... my question is this "How would the Congressman know whether his constituents agreed with him or not?" Our forefathers certainly had lively debates and arguments while crafting our Constitution. Lively town halls are an American staple, it is one way we as citizens participate in the process.

I want to thank Chet Edwards for changing his mind on holding in person town halls. I think it helped get a little bit of information out about his opinions. People seemed to be frustrated with the long answers that often included the same stories when they just wanted a straight answer. I would have liked to have had his aides take the questions down then post his responses on the website when those questions that Edwards couldn't answer were asked. (HINT HINT)

While I disagree with many of his political ideologies, I agree with him that this is democracy at work. Health care industry reform is needed, along with many other laws that contribute to the problems of sky rocketing health care costs. Tort reform, which many people want, is one suggestion Congressman Edwards warns us that we should be careful of what we ask for and suggested that was a states right issue. I agree there, just like health care industry regulation should be decided on a state level with the federal government acting as a referee, NOT a player, and an educated, fair referee at that. Look at what CRA did to the mortgage industry! Another failed government regulation that contributed to skyrocketing health care costs due to the insurance companies losing so much capital in the markets that pay for claims.

Allowing insurance companies to cross state lines would be one step in lowering costs, and someone has to set those interstate rules. However, Congress should stay out of running the Insurance industry and the doctor/patient relationship. Regulating industry is a far cry from regulating how "End of Life Counseling" provided is by your doctor. The commerce clause does NOT give Congress the right to regulate the health care your doctor provides you. Look it up for yourself....

http://www.house.gov/house/Constitution/Constitution.html

I also learned of a YouTube video taken after the town hall. (I was not there, I happened upon it while surfing the web) The Congressman spoke with a number of the attendees and the Waco Tea Party webmaster, the exchange was polite and respectful by all parties.



The video interested me for a few reasons; that the Congressman was amiable to meeting with the Waco Tea Party board members and that he stated "Doing this today [holding the town hall] was out of respect for those of you who said you wanted to participate in this process." After receiving a few emails from the RPT and others that it was their efforts in swaying Chet Edwards to hold a town hall, I was happy to know that our efforts (Tea Parties and other protesters), the grassroots, were effective. Average Americans, showing up at protests, calling, and emailing made a difference! Your voice counts, matters and is more powerful that anything else, because YOU VOTE. Credit is deserved where credit it due, the PEOPLE demanded it on both sides of the issue. Political Party leaders, Political Parties, County Chairs, or candidates may have been a few drops in the bucket, but thousands of calls, emails, letters and participants in the protests was what filled it.

So when someone tells you that tea parties, contacting your Congressman, and getting involved and informed about the political process does not do any good or change anything..... remember this, IT DOES.

If Congressman Edwards is true to his words, we hope for a productive discussion about the health care issue and many others.